Jill Scott wants healthier image of women in music videos

R&B singer Jill Scott expressed her disgust with the portrayal of women in today's pop music videos, saying they were unhealthy, degrading and vulgar.

Scott spoke out during an empowerment seminar entitled "Take Back the Music" as part of the Essence Music Festival in Houston, Texas. Conscious rapper Common, actor Shemar Moore and music video star Karrine Steffans also joined Scott in the discussion.
The music festival, created by ESSENCE Magazine, featured performances by Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton and LL Cool J.

Scott and the rest of the panel encouraged the audience to educate young women that they are more than just their bodies and sexuality. She urged black women to take action and boycott the albums of musicians who gave offensive depictions of women in their music videos and lyrics.

Scott's musical career began when she was heard by The Roots' drummer, ?uestlove, while reciting her own poetry. Scott ended up helping the band compose their hit song "You Got Me" in 1999.

In 2003, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for her song "A Long Walk" off the album Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1.